Decision to scrap FA Cup replays 'a disgrace'
The decision has been condemned by many EFL clubs, including Tranmere Rovers
As the row over the scrapping of FA Cup replays continues - a former Tranmere Rovers player says the decision is 'a disgrace'.
EFL clubs say they weren't consulted beforehand - Tranmere Rovers released a statement saying it demonstrates a total lack of respect for the football pyramid and its fans.
An agreement was reached between the FA and the Premier League to scrap replays from next season, with part of the deal seeing an extra £33million going to grassroots football.
All rounds of the competition will be played over a weekend and the final has been moved to the penultimate Saturday of the Premier League season.
Following a huge backlash from many EFL teams, the FA released a statement - claiming the revised schedule will open up "additional revenue opportunities" for lower league clubs.
Alex Hay, who played for Tranmere Rovers between 2001 and 2004, said:
"I think it's a disgrace what they've done to be totally honest with you and I'm delighted to see Tranmere took the first step and bring everyone together and it seems like that's starting to find some momentum now.
"I think the FA Cup is such a big thing for every type of fan and I think that's what people forget. It probably starts when the season ends for lots of clubs because they go into the preliminary rounds. Once I'd gone semi-professional after being professional, I played in the lower preliminary rounds for Cammell Laird so I understand how big a deal it is to get through to the next round for those lower leagues in the pyramid.
"I was lucky enough to be involved in the FA Cup quarter-final for Tranmere. We beat Bolton in a replay, they were a Premier League team at the time so we drew 1-1 at home and then we beat them away in the third round and that was huge for us. Me being a Tranmere fan to play against Bolton, who we had a decent rivalry with, was massive and I'd have never got that memory if replays weren't allowed.
"Memories that will live forever"
"We went on to get to the quarters - we drew away at Millwall 0-0 and we brought them back home and Tim Cahill scored and we got beat unfortunately in the quarter-final, but these are memories that will live forever and not only for the players, but for the fans.
"It's such a big thing and I I just feel like now is the time for people to come together and just say it's not good enough what they are doing."
The EFL has criticised the decision - saying it 'marginalises' clubs outside the top flight.